A PRIEST has spoken of the amazing support for the family of a man who was found dead in Ibiza.

Father Bernard Elsdon spoke to hundreds of mourners packed into a church in Stockport as Jeffrey Hodgson was finally laid to rest after 18 months of torment for his family.

The funeral was at Jeffrey's local church, St Matthew's in Edgeley, and Father Elsdon described how his disappearance prompted a huge groundswell of support from thousands of people who rallied round his parents Beryl and Derek.He said: "None of us can possibly know just how they felt, or have felt ever since - not unless we have suffered such an experience ourselves. But very soon, dozens, then hundreds, then thousands of people showed their deep concern and desire to help, and thousands of posters were distributed to try to trace Jeffrey."

Jeffrey, 38, who had a mental age of eight, disappeared as his parents were checking into their hotel in Ibiza on July 8, 2001.

The M.E.N. flew to Ibiza to help in the search for Jeffrey and an action group was formed to help and raise funds.

His remains were eventually discovered by climbers at the bottom of a cliff on the outskirts of the resort in October last year.

Mr and Mrs Hodgson said: "Jeffrey was a happy child whom turned into a friendly and likeable man who everyone loved.

"Jeffrey had so many friends in and around Stockport who have all been wonderful since he went missing."